19 MAY 2025 Foraging & Feasting: A Wild Food Experience
Join George Linklater, professional forager and conservationist, for a seasonal walk through the Cowdray Estate, followed by a wild picnic in the woods with fine English wine by Gusbourne. Discover the flavours of the land, learn how to identify and harvest wild foods, and gather for a rustic meal prepared in nature.
Monday 19th May
10.30am – 2.30pm
£99 per person
A spring foraging experience hosted by George Linklater, followed by a seasonal wild picnic paired with a tasting of Gusbourne’s Blanc de Noirs 2020. You’ll walk, forage, taste, and sip among the trees with George guiding the menu against the backdrop of the iconic Cowdray Estate.
This event is open to all and offers a relaxed and rewarding way to spend a spring day in the heart of the South Downs.
Open to all. Advance booking is essential.
Event Details
Monday 19th May
2-3 Hour Guided Walk + 1 Hour Wild Picnic
Timings: 10.30 am-2 pm
Tickets: £99 per adult, £25 per child
Start and End: TreeHouse Retreats Welcome Suite.
Join George for a walk through the estate’s woodlands and meadows, discovering fresh wild greens, edible flowers, and fragrant herbs. After foraging, settle into a scenic spot for a rustic picnic featuring the best of the season’s flavours.
Spring Season Sample Menu:
Wild pickles and preserves paired with locally sourced cheese
St. George’s mushrooms in a garlic and cream sauce
Wild garlic and stinging nettle pesto on sourdough
Wild foraged salad
Hogweed bhajis
Seasonal drinks to complement the feast
Meet George
On The Wild's Side was founded to honor and conserve nature through foraging, cooking, conservation, and connection. Led by professional forager and conservationist George Linklater, the vision is to inspire people to build a deeper relationship with their environment for health, nutrition, and well-being.
With years of experience foraging wild foods and supplying top chefs, George now shares his passion for wild edibles, biodiversity, and the importance of preserving our native landscapes. He collaborates with landowners, communities, and individuals to promote a balanced connection between people and nature.
Having explored diverse landscapes from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall, George has been featured on BBC's Saturday Kitchen, showcasing the journey from forest to fork.
Previous guest
“George is so knowledgeable and affable, it made for a really great experience... to feel safe to taste things that I would never dare to do on my own and to see how much is beneath our feet and around us without fully realising was quite incredible…”
Have a question?
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We recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots suitable for walking through nature, and dressing in layers depending on the weather. It's also a good idea to bring a water bottle, a small backpack, and a notebook if you wish to take notes.
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No experience is necessary! These walks are suitable for all levels, from beginners to seasoned foragers. George will guide you through the entire process of identifying, harvesting, and preparing wild foods.
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The walk lasts approximately 2-3 hours, with a moderate level of difficulty. It is suitable for most fitness levels, but please be aware that we will be walking through nature and uneven terrain.
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The walks will generally proceed regardless of weather conditions, so please dress appropriately for the forecasted weather. In case of extreme weather (such as high winds or heavy rain), we will contact you in advance if we need to cancel or reschedule the walk.
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The picnic features seasonal, foraged delights prepared by George. The menu may vary depending on what’s available, but it typically includes wild mushrooms, foraged salads, breads, preserves, and seasonal drinks. If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know when booking so we can accommodate your needs.
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Yes! Children are welcome, but please note that the walk is approximately 2-3 hours long and involves walking through nature. If you’re bringing younger children, please consider their comfort and stamina for the walk. All children must be accompanied by adults.
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Absolutely! We encourage you to take photos, but please be respectful of the environment and wildlife. If you wish to take photos of specific plants or fungi, make sure to follow George’s guidance on what is safe to photograph and touch.
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The walk involves walking through natural terrain that may be uneven. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us in advance to discuss whether the walk is suitable for you or if we can suggest an alternative option.
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Yes dogs are welcome but please notify us prior to the walk so we can ensure the route is agreeable for dogs.